According to Descartes, movement of the body is caused by
A) the flow of fluid from the mind to the nerves that then cause the muscles to contract.
B) stimulation of the pineal body to release hormones that then travel to the appropriate set of muscles.
C) specific commands from specific brain nuclei that "order" specific muscles to move.
D) spirits within the mind that travel through the nervous system.
E) the transmission of electrical activity from the brain, via the pineal body, to the nerves that cause muscle contractions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Descartes believed that the movement of the body was caused by the flow of animal spirits (fluids) from the mind through the nerves to the muscles, causing them to move. This theory reflects his dualist perspective, where the mind (a non-physical entity) can influence the physical body through this mechanism.

According to Descartes, Movement of the Body Is Caused by